Hand Building with Porcelain
Tuesday 6th - Thursday 8th May 2025
Summary
During this workshop students will learn how to build fine porcelain pieces using Justine Allison’s delicate techniques.
The course in detail
This course will focus on techniques for making clay slabs, then joining these slabs to become vessels. Justine will show students some of the ways in which she works and will demonstrate a variety of different techniques students can use to achieve a range of results.
Students will explore methods to add pattern and texture to their work and Justine will explain the role of underglazes and simple clear glazing in her work.
Students will finish the workshop with a greater understanding of hand building with porcelain and will have pieces ready for firing at bisque. Students will be able to discuss their work throughout the course as a group, and with Justine on a one-to-one basis.
Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention.
COURSE BREAKDOWN
Day 1 - Justine will give a brief slide show and introduction to the workshop. This will be followed by a demonstration on making a vessel using Justine’s techniques for rolling out and building with porcelain slabs.
Students will then be shown how to prepare and roll out thin porcelain slabs for building. Students will start with a simple cylinder form to gauge hand building levels and to get a feel for the material.
Day 2 - Justine will give a demonstration on building a four-sided vessel with porcelain slabs. Students will continue working on their rolled slabs and forms from the previous day. Students will make patterns on their slabs, creating a sheet that can be cut and made into a vessel.
Day 3 - Justine will give a demonstration on decorating techniques on a bisque fired piece and will have some pre-prepared pieces ready to be tested on. Justine will give further demonstrations on finishing the clay surface. Students will continue making with porcelain and finish off pieces with Justine’s advice.
Firing
There will be no specific kiln firing during the week, however, we will encourage students to keep, and finish, a few carefully selected pieces. These will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.
Please read our Student Contract here.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
About Justine
Justine has primarily hand-built with porcelain since leaving Camberwell School of Art in 1998. Her work explores the simplicity and beauty of clay as well as incorporating pattern, texture and glaze to create unique variations. Justine grew up in London and re-located to rural Wales in 2003 where she now lives and works.
THE SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Tuesday 6th May
Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 7th May
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 8th May
On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
PAYMENT
This cost for this two-day course is £750. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments, a superb two-course lunch every day and a Welcome Breakfast on the first day.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a course, please make sure you read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: Tuesday 6th - Thursday 8th May 2025
Duration: Three-day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Some knowledge of ceramics would be helpful, but is not essential.
Clay type: Porcelain
Cost: £750 (pay in full or in instalments)
“Absolutely loved the course! Approachable, skillful, generous teacher. Justine encouraged everyone and directed the teaching without being over prescriptive. We were allowed to develop our own style and had great fun. The best way to learn a new skill. ”
